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Belconnen scammer targeting the wrinklies with driveway number offer

Police are urging elderly people and vulnerable community members to be vigilant after recent reports of a conmen using scams to gain entry to homes.

ACT Policing has received several reports of suspicious behaviour of late, particularly in the Belconnen suburbs, of a man offering to paint house numbers on the driveways for an amount of money. The victims targeted are either elderly people or those in vulnerable situations.

The offender has gained access into some homes, asking for a drink or to use the bathroom, stealing money and bank cards. On occasion people have been providing the man with their bank card (and PIN) for payment if they do not have cash.

Station Sergeant Harry Hains from ACT Policing’s Crime Prevention said there are precautions people can take to minimise this happening to them.

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“If you do not know the person, do not let them into your home,” Station Sergeant Hains said.

“If you have a security screen door, keep this locked and talk with the person through the screen or if you have a security chain, open the door with it still engaged. If you don’t want or need your number painted, politely decline, then close and lock your door.”

The man is described as Caucasian in appearance, aged in his 40s, approximately 175cm (5’9”) tall, with a slender build, dark wiry hair which is balding and clean shaven. He may wear a red hat and a shirt with a logo on the right chest.

“If you have been a victim of this scam or something similar, please contact ACT Policing on 131 444. Take down as many details as you can about the person as this will assist us in identifying them.”

Anyone who has seen suspicious activity in their neighborhood should contact ACT Policing Operations on 131 444.
For further tips on home security can be found at police.act.gov.au.